The baseball card hobby saw tremendous growth over the past couple years during the pandemic, with many new and returning collectors helping drive interest and prices skyward. As we head into the 2022 season, there are certain rookie cards, stars of the game, and retired legends that continue to captivate collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards that are likely to be in high demand throughout this year.
Shohei Ohtani, 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto (#182) – Arguably the most unique and talented player in baseball today, Shohei Ohtani had a historic 2021 season as a two-way star for the Angels. His rookie cards from 2018 Bowman and Topps series 1 are already highly valuable, but his 2021 rookie appearances fascinated new collectors. The Topps Chrome Refractor Auto stands out with its vivid color and on-card autograph. Graded gem mint 10 examples have already crossed the $1000 price point, showing no signs of slowing down. As Ohtani’s legend grows, these 2021 rookies could end up being the most coveted modern player cards.
Juan Soto, 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Auto (#46) – Still just 23 years old, Juan Soto has quickly established himself as one of the best pure hitters in MLB. Rated as a 5-tool star, Soto dazzled in his inaugural 2018 campaign and those rookie cards remain a fascination. The Chrome Orange Refractor parallel from Bowman is the cream of the crop, with its bright refractory colors and on-card autograph. Even higher-grade PSA 10 copies have eclipsed $5000, and collectors expect those numbers will only increase as Soto continues producing at the plate for years to come.
Wander Franco, 2021 Topps Chrome Refractors – At just 21, Wander Franco is looked at as the future star and face of baseball. He had a phenomenal age-20 season with the Rays in 2021 that saw him become the youngest player ever to hit in his first career game. Franco’s rookie cards exploded out of the gates and haven’t slowed, with the flagship Topps Chrome Refractor parallel being the most omnipresent. PSA 10 copies have already crossed $1000 and are likely MLB’s best modern investment card. As Franco develops into a perennial All-Star and potential Hall of Famer, these rookie cards could end up being truly iconic.
Mickey Mantle, 1952 Topps #311 – The Commerce Comet remains one of the most beloved players in baseball history and a true icon of the sport. Any mid-grade example of his classic 1952 Topps rookie card in a holders graded 6-8 can usually be acquired for $10000-30000, with higher grades exponentially more expensive. This is the card that started the post-war baseball card boom and remains a treasure over 70 years later. As one of the most historically significant issues, Mantle’s ’52 Topps will always be a king among collectors.
Mike Trout, 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Patch (#12) – Simply put, Mike Trout is establishing himself as perhaps the greatest baseball player ever. Even after a decade dominating MLB, the excitement for his early Bowman rookie cards remains unmatched. The prized parallel is the Chrome Auto Patch edition, with its serial numbered refractor, on-card autograph, and swatch of game-used material. PSA 10 specimens have reached $100000 at auction, and as Trout’s career accolades accumulate, so too might the prices. This is the card of the undisputed best modern player.
Ronald Acuña Jr., 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Orange Refractor (#76) – Prior to his devastating 2021 knee injury, Ronald Acuña Jr. was cementing his place as a true 5-tool superstar. Those who invested early in his rookie cards were handsomely rewarded. The prized 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Auto parallel exploded in value, with PSA 10’s now at $15000-20000. If Acuña can return to full health and domination, these cards might prove among the top long-term investments from the modern era.
Sandy Koufax, 1956 Topps #131 – One of the most dominating pitchers ever, Sandy Koufax blazed a brief but brilliant career in the 1950s-60s. His fresh-faced 1956 Topps rookie card became iconic for its clean and colorful design. High-grade specimens in the PSA 8-10 range now effortlessly eclipse $10000-40000. For collectors wanting a piece of perhaps the greatest lefty of all time, this hallowed Koufax rookie remains highly accessible, historic, and very recognizable for enthusiasts of all ages.
Jackie Robinson, 1947 Bazooka #5 – Beyond just being one of baseball’s all-time greats as the first African American player, Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color barrier and changed the game forever in 1947. His classic gum card has become the most important and valuable baseball issue ever released. Even well-worn mid-grade examples can bring $25000-50000 today. For any collection wanting a piece of sports and societal history, Robinson’s groundbreaking 1947 Bazooka sits gloriously among the hobby’s treasures.
Ken Griffey Jr., 1989 Upper Deck #1 – Known simply as “Junior” and beloved by mainstream America for his stunning talents and smile, Ken Griffey Jr. was the complete five-tool superstar. His rookie cards exploded in the late 80s/90s sports memorabilia boom. The stylish 1989 Upper Deck, featuring crisp photos and logos, became one of the most iconic and collected issues ever. High grades now command six figures, making Griffey’s rookie one of the true crown jewels for investors and fans alike.
While new stars like Ohtani and Franco captivate today’s collectors, it’s the legendary careers, historic iconography, and investment potential of cards like Mantle, Robinson, Griffey, and Koufax that will ensure they remain highly sought after prizes for baseball aficionados in 2022 and beyond. Condition is paramount, but a wise collector can target affordable mid-grade examples that still capture the essence of these all-time great players. No collection is complete without representations of the athletes who made baseball what it is today.
